Modular Tile Tray with Interlocking Alignment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tile laying techniques require skill and are not suitable for DIY applications due to the difficulty in aligning and spacing tiles, and the limited selection of tiles available, as well as the messiness of traditional cement, making it challenging for home handymen to install modular floor and wall systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular tile tray system with a planar base, resilient retaining members, and interlocking formations that allows for easy alignment and connection of trays, accommodating standard tiles and pavers from different manufacturers, and featuring adhesive means for secure tile attachment and easy replacement, along with snap-locking mechanisms for efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional tile laying techniques are used, then tiles can be installed on surfaces, but alignment and spacing are difficult to achieve consistently, requiring high skill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tiling process into separate components: a reusable tray that defines precise alignment and spacing, and the tile itself. The tray includes alignment features such as guide edges and positioning elements that ensure consistent tile placement without requiring manual measurement or spacing calculations by the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray acts as an intermediary device between the installer and the tile. It provides pre-formed alignment guides, spacing references, and positioning structures that mediate the installation process, allowing even inexperienced installers to achieve professional-grade alignment and spacing consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tiles are permanently fixed to ground contact frames, then modular panels can be assembled, but the user selection of tiles is limited to supplier stock
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the tile from the mounting structure (tray), allowing the tray to be reused with different tiles. The tray contains all necessary alignment and attachment features, while the tile remains an independent component that can be selected from any source, greatly expanding user choice without increasing system complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional tile laying cement is used, then tiles can be bonded to surfaces, but the process is messy and dries to form visual imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the bonding function from traditional messy cement and replaces it with a controlled adhesive application system integrated into the tray. The tray includes adhesive application features such as pre-formed adhesive beds or dispensing mechanisms that apply adhesive precisely where needed, eliminating the mess and visual imperfections associated with traditional cement while maintaining strong bonding.
4Productivity
If modular panels with permanently fixed tiles are used, then floor covering can be assembled quickly, but the panels are heavy and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the panel into two separate components: a lightweight reusable tray and the tile. The tray can be easily manipulated and positioned by the installer, while the tile is placed into the pre-positioned tray. This segmentation reduces the weight of the object being manipulated during installation while maintaining quick assembly through the simple insert-and-secure process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables easy installation of modular flooring with automatic alignment, a wider selection of tiles, and the ability to replace tiles, making it suitable for DIY installations while maintaining a professional appearance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the retaining members is a movable retaining member. Preferably, the movable retaining member is resiliently movable
Implementation Method 2
the tile tray includes an adhesive means for securing the tile to the base
Implementation Method 3
a coupling means for connecting two or more of the tile trays in a substantially aligned configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A tile tray (1) including a generally planar base (2) and two or more retaining members (5) adapted to locate and retain a tile (7) to the base. The tile tray (1) further includes a coupling means for connecting two or more of the tile trays in a substantially aligned configuration.